ARN has announced the finalists of the 2025 Women in ICT Awards (WIICTA), the largest celebration of female excellence within the technology channel across Australia.
From more than 300 nominations submitted by over 102 organisations, 186 finalists were chosen. This year, Rishona Elijah, a Tech Evangelist from Barhead Solutions, and Madison Sandiford, the Digital Campaigns Manager from Akkodis, were named finalists in the Rising Star and Graduate categories respectively.
The Rising Star Award recognises a professional who has made significant advancement during the early stages of their career and is rising through the ranks, while the Graduate Award recognises a standout graduate who has made an immediate and positive impact on their organisation by providing a fresh perspective.
.
This recognition highlights my journey in Barhead and the Microsoft community, from upskilling thousands of learners on the Power Platform and Microsoft tech to becoming one of the youngest female professionals to have become a Microsoft MVP. Thank you to my team at Barhead and the Microsoft community for your support — this wouldn’t have been possible without all of you!
Rishona Elijah, Technology Evangelist, Barhead Solutions
.
‘This year’s finalists have set an extremely high bar and are a source of inspiration for women leading the way in technology — we are proud and privileged to be celebrating each and every one of them,’ said ARN Editor Julia Talevski.
.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being part of Akkodis and The Adecco Group International Future Leaders Program is the opportunity to make an impact at work and in communities across Australia. Thank you to my mentors from the program and my team at Akkodis! I’ve learned so much collaborating with so many amazing people, and I look forward to using everything I’ve learned to drive more meaningful change.
Madison Sandiford, Digital Campaigns Manager, Akkodis
In addition to the Rising Star and Graduate categories, WIICTA will be recognising exceptional female professionals from six other categories, spanning Innovation, Technical, Entrepreneur, Shining Star, Achievement and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I).
Winners will be selected by an executive panel of more than 150 industry judges and will be announced on 15 May at Doltone House in Jones Bay Wharf in Sydney.
